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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to in these Notes as the “Company”), with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. The investments in subsidiaries are recorded on the Company’s books (holding company only) on the basis of its equity in the net assets of the subsidiaries. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). For purposes of comparability, certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to conform with the current period presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or stockholders’ equity.
Nature of Operations
The Company engages in the banking business through Shore United Bank, N.A., a Maryland commercial bank with trust powers. The Company’s primary source of revenue is derived from interest earned on commercial, residential mortgage and other loans, and fees charged in connection with lending and other banking services located in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. The Company engages in the trust services business through the trust department at Shore United Bank, N.A. under the trade name Wye Trust and conducts secondary market lending activities through a division of the Bank. The Title Company engages in title work related to real estate transactions.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and affect the reported amounts of revenues earned and expenses incurred during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that could change significantly relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses on loans, loans acquired in business combinations, valuation of deferred tax assets and the subsequent evaluation of goodwill for impairment.
Investments in Debt Securities
Investments in debt securities are classified as either held to maturity (“HTM”), available for sale (“AFS”), or trading, based on management’s intent. Currently, the Company has classified its debt securities within the AFS and HTM classifications. Debt securities purchased with the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as HTM and are recorded at amortized cost, net of any allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). Debt securities not classified as HTM are classified as AFS and are carried at estimated fair value with the corresponding unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Gains or losses are recognized in net income on the trade date using the amortized cost of the specific security sold. Purchase premiums are recognized in interest income using the effective interest rate method over the period from purchase to maturity or, for callable securities, the earliest call date, and purchase discounts are recognized in the same manner from purchase to maturity.
The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis and fair value of its HTM and AFS debt securities and has included such accrued interest of $2.2 million at December 31, 2023 and at December 31, 2022 within the accrued interest receivable line item of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company estimates an ACL for held to maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type and standard credit rating. Certain securities in our HTM securities portfolio are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses. With respect to these securities, we consider the risk of credit loss to be $94,000.
The estimate of an ACL on our HTM securities that are not guaranteed by the U.S. government considers historical credit loss information and severity of loss in the event of default and leverages external data. No ACL is recorded on accrued interest receivable and amounts written-off are reversed by an adjustment to interest income.
An ACL on held to maturity debt securities that do not share common risk characteristics with our collective portfolio are individually measured based on net realizable value, or the difference between the discounted value of the expected future cash flows and the recorded amortized cost basis of the security.
For debt securities AFS, impairment is recognized in its entirety in net income if either (i) we intend to sell the security or (ii) it is more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If, however, the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery, the Company evaluates unrealized losses to determine whether a decline in fair value below amortized cost basis is a result of a credit loss, which occurs when the amortized cost basis of the security exceeds the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security, or other factors such as changes in market interest rates. If a credit loss exists, an ACL is recorded that reflects the amount of the impairment related to credit losses, limited by the amount by which the specific security’s amortized cost basis exceeds its fair value.
Changes in the ACL are recorded in net income in the period of change and are included in provision for credit losses. Changes in the fair value of debt securities AFS not resulting from credit losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company regularly reviews unrealized losses in its investments in securities and cash flows expected to be collected from impaired securities based on criteria including the extent to which market value is below amortized cost, the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer, the Company’s intention with regard to holding the security to maturity and the likelihood that the Company would be required to sell the security before recovery.
Equity Securities
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income. Any equity securities without readily determinable fair values are carried at cost, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments. Restricted equity securities are carried at cost and are periodically evaluated for impairment based on the ultimate recovery of par value. The entirety of any impairment on equity securities is recognized in earnings.
Loans Held for Sale (“LHFS”)
The Company has elected to carry its mortgage loans originated for sale at fair value. Fair value is determined based on outstanding investor commitments or, in the absence of such commitments, on current investor yield requirements or third-party pricing models. Fair value adjustments are recorded at each balance sheet date with the changes in fair value recognized in mortgage banking revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Gains and losses on loan sales are determined based on the differential between a loan’s carrying value and sales price and are recognized through mortgage-banking revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. LHFS are sold either with the mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) released or retained by the Bank.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, the MSRs are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in mortgage banking revenue. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The Company measures servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date and records the changes in fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur. These gains or losses are included in mortgage banking revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Servicing fee income is also recorded in the mortgage banking revenue line item.
Loans Held for Investment
The Company’s recorded investment in loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally is reported at the unpaid principal balances adjusted for charges-offs, unearned discounts, any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, and the ACL. The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of its loans held for investment and has included such accrued interest of $16.8 million and $7.2 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively within the accrued interest receivable line item of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest on loans is recorded to interest income based on the contractual rates and the amount of outstanding principal of the loans. Loan fees and origination costs are deferred and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loan’s yield using the level-yield method.
Loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. In the case of loans that have experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination as of the acquisition date, the loan’s amortized cost basis is increased above estimated fair value by the amount of expected credit losses as of the acquisition date, and a corresponding ACL is also recorded.
A loan’s past due status is based on the contractual due date of the most delinquent payment due. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal or interest is 90 days or more past due, or earlier, if collection is uncertain. Any accrued interest receivable on loans placed on nonaccrual status is reversed by an adjustment to interest income. Loans greater than 90 days past due may remain on accrual status if management determines it has adequate collateral to cover the principal and interest. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. A loan may be returned to accrual status if the borrower has demonstrated a sustained period of repayment performance in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan and there is reasonable assurance the borrower will continue to make payments as agreed.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when they are funded.
In the normal course of banking business, risks related to specific loan categories are as follows:
Construction loans – Construction loans are offered primarily to builders and individuals to finance the construction of single-family dwellings. In addition, the Bank periodically finances the construction of commercial projects. Credit risk factors include the borrower’s ability to successfully complete the construction on time and within budget, changing market conditions which could affect the value and marketability of projects, changes in the borrower’s ability or willingness to repay the loan and potentially rising interest rates which can impact both the borrower’s ability to repay and the collateral value.
Residential real estate – Residential real estate loans are typically made to consumers and are secured by residential real estate. Credit risk arises from the borrower’s continuing financial stability, which can be adversely impacted by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy, among other factors. Also impacting credit risk would be a shortfall in the value of the residential real estate in relation to the outstanding loan balance in the event of a default or subsequent liquidation of the real estate collateral.
Commercial real estate – Commercial real estate loans consist of both loans secured by owner occupied properties and non-owner occupied properties where an established banking relationship exists and involves investment properties for warehouse, retail, and office space with a history of occupancy and cash flow. These loans are subject to adverse changes in the local economy and commercial real estate markets. Credit risk associated with owner occupied properties arises from the borrower’s financial stability and the ability of the borrower and the business to repay the loan. Non-owner occupied properties carry the risk of a tenant’s deteriorating credit strength, lease expirations in soft markets and sustained vacancies which can adversely impact cash flow.
Commercial – Commercial loans are secured or unsecured loans for business purposes. Loans are typically secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and/or other assets of the business. Credit risk arises from the successful operation of the business which may be affected by competition, rising interest rates, regulatory changes and adverse conditions in the local and regional economy.
Consumer – Consumer loans include installment loans and personal lines of credit. Credit risk is similar to residential real estate loans above as it is subject to the borrower’s continuing financial stability and the value of the collateral securing the loan.
Transfers of LHFS to Loans Held for Investment (“LHFI”)
The Company may, from time to time, transfer LHFS to LHFI. Transfers of LHFS to LHFI are accounted for in accordance with the underlying accounting applied to the loan prior to its transfer. For loans where the fair value option had been elected, the Company continues to account for the loan at fair value in the LHFI portfolio. Subsequent changes in the fair value of these loans are recorded in interest income. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had no transfers from LHFS to LHFI. There were $7.8 million transfers between LHFS and LHFI during the year ended December 31, 2022.
ACL on Loans Held for Investment
An ACL is estimated on loans held for investment, excluding loans carried at fair value. The ACL on loans is established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the ACL for the difference between the carrying value of the loan and the estimated net realizable value or fair value of the collateral, if collateral dependent, when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
The allowance represents management’s current estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual term of loans held for investment, and is recorded at an amount that, in management’s judgment, reduces the recorded investment in loans to the net amount expected to be collected. No ACL is recorded on accrued interest receivable and amounts written-off are reversed by an adjustment to interest income. Management’s judgment in determining the level of the allowance is based on evaluations of historical loan losses, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts relevant to the collectability of loans. The methodology for estimating the amount reported in the ACL is the sum of two main components, an allowance assessed on a collective basis for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics and an allowance assessed on individual loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans. Loans that share common risk characteristics are evaluated collectively using a cash flow approach. The cash flow approach used by the Company utilizes loan-level cash flow projections and pool-level assumptions. For loans that do not share risk characteristics with other loans, the ACL is measured based on the net realizable value, that is, the difference between the discounted value of the expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the loan. When a loan is collateral-dependent and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis of the loan and the fair value of the collateral.
Cash flow projections and estimated expected losses on loans which share common risk characteristics are based in part on forecasts economic independent variables, namely the national unemployment rate, 10 year Treasury rate and changes in GDP that are reasonable and supportable over a twenty four month period and incorporated into the estimate of expected credit losses using a statistical regression analysis. For periods beyond those for which reasonable and supportable forecasts are available, projections are based on a 12-month straight-line reversion of the corresponding economic independent variable from the last forecast to a historical average level.
Management’s estimate of the ACL on loans that are collectively evaluated also includes a qualitative assessment of available information relevant to assessing collectability that is not captured in the quantitative loss estimation process. Factors considered by management include changes in general market, concentrations, economic and business conditions; the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; the
volume and severity of delinquencies and adversely classified loan balances and the value of underlying collateral; and other factors as deemed necessary and appropriate. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
Reserve for Unfunded Commitments
The Company records a reserve, reported in other liabilities, for expected credit losses on commitments to extend credit that are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The reserve for unfunded commitments is measured based on the principles utilized in estimating the ACL on loans and an estimate of the amount of unfunded commitments expected to be advanced. Changes in the reserve for unfunded commitments are recorded through the provision for credit losses. During the 2023, the Company recorded a $436 thousand provision for credit losses associated with its unfunded commitments.
Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost and premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives range from three to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment; three to five years for computer hardware and data handling equipment; and 10 to 40 years for buildings and building improvements. Land improvements are amortized over a period of 15 years and leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the respective lease or useful life, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while improvements which extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the asset.
Long-lived assets are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment exists when the expected undiscounted future cash flows of a long-lived asset are less than its carrying value. In that event, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Business combinations are accounted for under ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition date measured at their fair values as of that date. To determine the fair values, the Company relies on internal or third-party valuations, such as appraisals, valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses, or other valuation techniques. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company identifies the acquirer and the closing date and applies applicable recognition principles and conditions. Acquisition-related costs are costs the Company incurs to effect a business combination. Those costs include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees. Some other examples of costs to the Company include systems conversions, integration planning consultants and advertising costs. The Company accounts for acquisition-related costs as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received, with one exception. The costs to issue debt or equity securities is recognized in accordance with other applicable GAAP. These acquisition-related costs have been and will be included within the consolidated statements of income classified within the noninterest expenses caption.
The most significant assessment of fair value in our accounting for business combinations relates to the valuation of an acquired loan portfolio. At acquisition, loans are classified as either (i) purchase credit-deteriorated (“PCD”) loans or (ii) non-PCD loans and are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. PCD loans are those for which there is more than insignificant evidence of credit deterioration since origination. Fair values are determined primarily through a discounted cash flow approach which considers the acquired loans’ underlying characteristics, including account types, remaining terms, annual interest rates, interest types, timing of principal and interest payments, current market rates, and remaining balances. Estimates of fair value also include estimates of default, loss severity, and estimated prepayments.

At acquisition, an allowance for PCD loans is determined based upon the Company’s methodology for estimating the ACL on loans. This allowance is credited to the ACL on loans with a corresponding adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the loan on the date of the acquisition. The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the unpaid principal balance is either a noncredit discount or premium that is amortized or accreted to interest income over the remaining life of the loan. Disposals of PCD loans, which may include sale of loans to third parties, receipt of payments in full or in part from the borrower or foreclosure of the collateral, result in removal of the loan from the loan portfolio at its carrying amount. For non-PCD loans, an ACL is established in a manner that is consistent with the Company’s originated loans. The ACL is determined using the Company’s methodology and the related ACL for non-PCD loans is recorded through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans are purchased or acquired. The entirety of any purchase discount or premium on non-PCD loans is amortized or accreted to interest income over the remaining life of the loan.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or
because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. Goodwill and other intangible assets are initially required to be recorded at fair value. Determining fair value is subjective, requiring the use of estimates, assumptions and management judgment.
Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment, usually during the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if circumstances dictate. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and also are subject to impairment testing.
If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than book value, an expense may be required to write down the related goodwill to record an impairment loss. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had one operating segment the Community Banking segment.
Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank and branch acquisitions and are amortized using an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 10 years.
During 2023 and 2022, goodwill and other intangible assets were subjected to assessments for impairment. No impairment charges were recognized in either year. Our assessment of goodwill concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the Company's reporting unit was less than their carrying amount.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)
Other real estate owned represents assets acquired in satisfaction of loans either by foreclosure or deeds taken in lieu of foreclosure. Properties acquired are recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the time of acquisition, establishing a new cost basis. Thereafter, costs incurred to operate or carry the properties as well as reductions in value as determined by periodic appraisals are charged to operating expense. Gains and losses resulting from the final disposition of the properties are included in noninterest expense.
Borrowings
Short-term and long-term borrowings are comprised primarily of FHLB borrowings. The Company’s short-term borrowings may also include advances on other lines of credit with correspondent banks or repurchase agreements with customers. The repurchase agreements are securities sold to the Company’s customers, at the customers’ request, under a continuing “roll-over” contract that matures in one business day. The underlying securities sold are U.S. Government agency securities, which are segregated from the Company’s other investment securities by its safekeeping agents.
Subordinated Debt
Subordinated debt is carried at its outstanding principal balance, net of any unamortized issuance costs and acquisition related fair value adjustments. For additional information on the Company’s subordinated debt, refer to Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with required accounting guidance. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by applying the applicable federal and state income tax rates to cumulative temporary differences. These temporary differences represent differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the corresponding tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes result from such temporary differences.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the expected amount most likely to be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of a sufficient level of future taxable income, recoverable taxes paid in prior years and tax planning strategies. The Company evaluates all positive and negative evidence before determining if a valuation allowance is deemed necessary regarding the realization of deferred tax assets.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties as a component of tax expense.
The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes in the reserves that are considered appropriate as well as the related net interest and penalties. In addition, the Company is subject to the continuous examination of its income tax returns by the IRS and other tax authorities which may assert assessments against the Company. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of
adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations and assessments to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes. The Company remains subject to examination for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2020.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging
We account for derivatives in accordance with FASB literature on accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. When we enter into a derivative contract, we designate the derivative as held for trading, an economic hedge, or a qualifying hedge as detailed in the literature. The designation may change based upon management’s reassessment or changing circumstances. Derivatives utilized by the Company include interest rate lock commitments (“IRLC” or “IRLCs”) and forward settlement contracts. IRLCs occur when we originate mortgage loans with interest rates determined prior to funding. Forward settlement contracts are agreements to buy or sell a quantity of a financial instrument, index, currency, or commodity at a predetermined future date, rate, or price.
We designate at inception whether a derivative contract is considered hedging or non-hedging. All of our derivatives are nonexchange traded contracts, and as such, their fair value is based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques for which the determination of fair value may require significant management judgement or estimation.
For qualifying hedges, we formally document at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various accounting hedges. We primarily utilize derivatives to manage interest rate sensitivity.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022 we did not have any designated hedges.
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and does not include the effect of any potentially dilutive common stock equivalents. Included in this calculation due to dividend participation rights are restricted stock awards which have been granted. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the effect of any potentially dilutive common stock equivalents.
Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (i) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (ii) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (iii) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with other banks and federal funds sold are considered “cash and cash equivalents” for financial reporting purposes. Certain interest-bearing deposits with banks may exceed balances that are recoverable under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance. Balances in excess of FDIC insurance at December 31, 2023 were approximately $8.7 million and approximately $1.8 million at December 31, 2022.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company may grant share-based compensation to employees and non-employee directors in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Parent’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for service-based awards. The fair value of RSUs is initially valued based on the closing price of the Parent’s common stock on the date of grant and is amortized in the statement of income over the vesting period. The RSUs are subsequently remeasured in each reporting period until settlement based on the quantity of awards for which it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and related assumptions. The Company uses historical data to predict option exercise and employee termination behavior. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Parent’s common stock. The expected term of options granted is derived from actual historical exercise activity and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant based on the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is equal to the dividend yield of the Parent’s common stock at the time of grant. Expense related to stock options is recorded in the statements of income as a component of salaries and benefits for employees and as a component of other noninterest expense for non-employee directors, with a corresponding increase to capital surplus in shareholders’ equity.
Fair Value
The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value and also makes disclosures about certain financial instruments that are not measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgement regarding interest rates, credit risk, and other factors, particularly in the absence of broad markets for specific terms. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. See Note 18 for a further discussion of fair value.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs of approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities net of any gains recognized from the sale of available-for-sale securities. There were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income in 2023 and 2022.
Adoption of Accounting Standards
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” ASU 2019-05, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief,” ASU 2019-10, “Financial instruments – Credit losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842) – Effective dates,” ASU 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842),” ASU 2020-03, “Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments” and ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” (collectively, ASC 326). The significant impacts of adopting these standards and related updates to the Company’s accounting policies are discussed below.
ASC 326 requires entities to estimate an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on certain types of financial instruments measured at amortized cost using a current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology, replacing the incurred loss methodology from prior GAAP. It also applies to unfunded commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby letters of credit, and other similar instruments. The impairment model for available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities was modified and ASC 326 also provided for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. Additionally, the measurement principles for modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty were modified, including how the ACL is measured for such loans.
The amendments of ASC 326, upon adoption, were applied on a modified retrospective basis, by recording an increase in the reported balance of loans and the allowance for credit losses on loans, an increase in the liability for credit losses on commitments to extend credit and reducing total equity of both the Company and the Bank. As a result of adopting ASC 326, the Company recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings, net of taxes, of approximately $7.8 million.
ASC 326 also replaced the Company’s previous accounting policies for purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans and troubled-debt restructurings (“TDRs”). With the adoption of ASC 326, loans previously designated as PCI loans were designated as purchased loans with credit deterioration (“PCD loans”). The Company adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for PCD loans that were previously identified as PCI and accounted for under ASC 310-30. On January 1, 2023, the Company’s PCD loans were adjusted to reflect the addition of expected credit losses to the amortized cost basis of the loans and a corresponding increase to the ACL. The remaining noncredit discount, which represents the difference between the adjusted amortized cost basis and the outstanding principal balance on PCD loans, will be accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining lives of the loans using the effective interest rate method. The evaluation of the ACL will include PCD loans together with other loans that share similar risk characteristics, rather than using the separate pools that were used under PCI accounting, unless the loans are specifically identified for individual evaluation under our CECL methodology. The adoption of ASC 326 also replaced previous TDR accounting guidance, and the evaluation of the ACL will include loans previously designated as TDRs together with other loans that share similar risk characteristics, unless the loans are specifically identified for individual evaluation under our CECL methodology.
The following table shows the impact of the Company's adoption of ASC 326 on loans, the ACL, and the Company’s reserve for unfunded commitments.
January 1, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)As Reported Under ASC 326Pre-ASC 326 AdoptionChange
Total Loans, gross$2,556,267 $2,556,107 $160 
Allowance for credit losses(27,434)(16,643)(10,791)
Total loans, net$2,528,833 $2,539,464 $(10,631)
Liabilities: Reserve for Unfunded Commitments$581 $316 $265 
As discussed in Note 2, the Company completed the merger with The Community Financial Corporation (“TCFC”) on July 1, 2023. Due to inconsistencies with historical loan loss data between the Bank and TCFC, management updated the methodology used to estimate the probability of default and the independent economic variables used to forecast default rates. Due to the lack of uniformity of historical data used for probability default data between the legacy banks, management concluded that the exclusive use of either legacy model was inappropriate in a post-merger environment. As a result, management engaged the model vendor to perform a Loss Driver Analysis ("LDA"), which utilized the legacy Shore United and legacy CBTC’s Call Report data to derive gross loan balances and charge-off data on a quarterly basis dating back to 2004. Using this data, the vendor performed regression analyses of a number of independent economic variables to determine the "best fit" of the economic variable to be used as a predictor of expected losses or the periodic default rate ("PDR"). Loss Given Default (“LGD”) values were calculated utilizing Frye-Jacobs model using the same historical gross-charge-off data derived from the Call Reports. In conjunction with our change in methodology used to derive the PDR/LGD, management also reassessed our qualitative factor overlay design.
The following table shows the impact of change in methodology.
(Dollars in thousands)Balance as of June 30, 2023Impact of methodology changeBalance as of adoption of methodology change
Construction$2,386 $33 $2,419 
Residential real estate9,151 4,016 13,167 
Commercial real estate10,267 1,065 11,332 
Commercial1,956 442 2,398 
Consumer5,254 1,791 7,045 
Total allowance$29,014 $7,347 $36,361 
Accounting policies applied to prior periods are described in the 2022 Annual Report.
Recent Accounting Standards and Other Authoritative Guidance
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” The amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold, which is greater than five percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income by the entity’s applicable statutory rate, on an annual basis. Additionally, the amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes and the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions that are equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). Lastly, the amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose income (or loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis; however, retrospective application is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-06 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.


In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision mark (CODM), an amount for other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition, all annual disclosures required by FASB ASU Topic 280 in interim periods as well, and the title and position of the CODM and how the CODM uses the reported measures. Additionally, this ASU requires that at least one of the reported segment profit and loss measures should be the measure that is most consistent with the measurement principles used in an entity’s consolidated financial statements. Lastly, this ASU requires public business entities with a single reportable segment to provide all disclosures required by these amendments in this ASU and all existing segment disclosures in Topic 280. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption
is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-06 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.